The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Another Granddaughter Makes Twenty

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

August 24, 2011

I flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma over a long weekend to meet our new Granddaughter Sophia Jayne, who has been adopted by my eldest son Troy and his wife Erica Andrews.

Sophia has been a new member of the family for three weeks and was celebrating her 4th birthday Sunday, August 21st.

As I stood out front of the Tulsa Airport, it was only a few minutes when Erica drove up with a little blonde haired, blue-eyed excited girl in the back seat, whom I could barely see.

As I opened the door and peeked in, there was a big - "Hi Grandma Dessa" and a giggle and the cutest dimpled smile for me as if she had known me all my life. She filled me in about the upcoming birthday party on Sunday and we talked about things we would be doing together.

Troy and Erica (Jayne) have a 12 year old girl Noah Jayne, a 8 year old girl Sydney Jayne, and two years ago, had adopted a new born daughter Carly Jayne who a year later was taken from them after it was found the mother had lied about who the birth father was.

The grandparents contested the adoption when they found out they had a grandchild and were awarded Carly, a heartbreak for our family. But, having gotten to know Erica and Troy, the grandparents said they will always consider them Carly's mom and dad, and they allow regular visits. Carly is now 2 and she will remain our #19 grandchild.

Sophia is adjusting quickly to her two big sisters and mom and dad and was counting the days to her birthday. When I arrived Thursday morning, it was three more sleeps, she said.

I thought it interesting, when she sat in a little white rocking chair in front of the fire place with a princess crown on her head, dressed in a princess dress passed down of Sidney's.

Neighbors and friends filled the living room with their young children and watched as she opened each present.

She received a big Disney Tinker Bell doll and a Tinker Bell's costume, but it was the Disney book and a bottle of bubbles that made her squeal with delight.

It was so much fun to see and hear her excitement and watch her give out all the hugs to her little friends.

Ice cream and pink and lavender cup cakes were enjoyed along with lemonade.

While I was there, we were able to enjoy swimming together and going out for ice cream and for a Mexican dinner.

It was if she had always been a part of the family.

It's true that Grandchildren are the icing on the cake and I am looking forward to number 21, when Matthew and Katie's come in January.